#Xds

Years ago, prior to the major improvements in 9mm HP ammunition we enjoy today, I primarily conceal carried .45ACP firearms.  One of the first polymer “Micro” .45 firearms I purchased was the Kahr PM45.  It was slim and compact but had a wonky trigger pull combined with a horribly long trigger reset.  Next up was the Springfield Armory XDS-45.  The trigger and ergonomics were much better than the Kahr, but Springfield had some issues with the triggers on the first run of those pistols, leading me to carry something else during the recall. Fast forward almost a decade after the release of the XDS, and we have the XDS Mod.2 OSP, a micro pistol that comes ready from the factory for a slide-mounted red dot sight.  The XDS Mod.2 OSP is available in both 9mm and, as in the case of this review, .45ACP.

You guys know what time it is. It’s deals time. So let’s go, wallets out. There’s plenty of things to spend your money on this week.

While some of you might rejoice there will be others left scratching their heads and pondering this question: “Where do I hold it?” Springfield Armory is proud to announce their newest handgun in the XDS Mod.2 9mm and they are leaving the “ Grip Zone” phrase behind. What is far and above Springfield Armory’s most popular concealed carry pistol, the new XDS Mod.2 9mm will be available to consumers in three variants.

Springfield Armory’s XDS pistol has been their most popular handgun since its inception into the market. A likely close second would be the feature-heavy XD Mod.2 which is an upgraded version of the staple, original model XD. Now Springfield has melded the desirable traits of both pistols to usher in the XDS Mod.2 before SHOT Show.

Andrew of GY6 Vids compares the Glock 43 to the Springfield XDS 9mm. Andrew mentions that many people like to compare the M&P Shield to the Glock 43 but they are not the same sized gun. He is right, the Shield is a slightly bigger weapon compared to the Glock 43. Just like the Shield though, the XDS gives you a std capacity 7rd magazine and a high capacity 8rd magazine. Something the Glock 43 does not do with its twin 6rd magazines. Although the Glock 43 does come with pinky extensions, something the Glock 42 was sorely lacking. I have to disagree with Andrew on the grip texture comparison of the Glock 43 and XDS. He says the Glock 43 has little to no texture while the XDS has a more aggressive texture. The Glock 43 texture is similar to the Gen4 texture which I like. The XDS texture is knobby. I would describe like a dull plastic meat tenderizer. It does not feel aggressive to me at all. It is smooth and slippery. Especially when your hands are mildly moist from sweat or rain. However that is just my opinion and personal preference. I do prefer the Gen4 Glock texture as I prefer shooting my Gen4 Glocks over my Gen 3 and Gen2 Glocks. Now my stippled Gen3 Glock is a completely different gun with its very aggressive texture. Now aside from grip texture differences, the rest of Andrew’s analysis is on point. The XDS has an ambidextrous mag release. The Glock 43 has a similar mag release like the Gen4 Glocks and can be switched over for a left handed shooter however it is not truly ambidextrous like the XDS.

Springfield Armory has just announced that their M1A Loaded precision adjustable stocks and XD-S 3.3″ 9mm  are now being offered in Flat Dark Earth as a stock option. The XD-S retained the black back straps, while the M1A stocks retain some of the moving pieces in black. Springfield Armory offered FDE in their traditional polymer stocks, but this is a first for their Precision Adjustable ones. Also the XD-S option seems to only be for the 3.3″ barrel, nothing yet on any other XD models.

Weapon Worx posted this on Facebook.

Springfield Armory has partnered with TFB to give you the opportunity to win a Black XD-S® 3.3″ Single Stack 9mm! Bonus entry points will also be given away so make sure to share this giveaway with your friends!

Green Light Shooting goes over three options for a conceal carry pistol but set at a price point under $600. To me they seem rather obvious working in a gun store. The choices are:

Springfield Armory introduced the new XDs 4.0 to the Media Range day this year.  The XDs 4.0 is an extended barrel version of the striker fired XDs 9mm released at last year’s SHOT Show.  Still marketed towards the concealed carry audience, the XDs 4.0 has several dimension differences from the XDs 3.3 while still maintaining the sleek and compact features demanded of a concealed carry pistol.

Pachmayr is now offering the company’s Tactical Grip Glove for the Smith & Wesson Shield and Springfield Armory XDs pistols.

Packing Pretty has written an extensive review of the Springfield XDS.